Figured bass

Definition

Figured bass is a musical notation system used during the Baroque period that indicates the intervals and harmonies to be played above a given bass note, usually performed by a keyboard instrument or a continuo group. This system allowed for greater flexibility and improvisation in harmonic accompaniment, reflecting the expressive nature of Baroque music.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Figured bass emerged as a key feature of Baroque music, allowing composers to indicate harmonic structure while leaving room for performers to interpret the realization of chords.
2. The system uses numbers placed below the bass notes to denote intervals above that note, with '6' indicating a sixth above, '4' indicating a fourth, and so forth.
3. This practice encouraged a collaborative approach between composers and performers, as musicians were often expected to embellish the basic harmonies with their own interpretations.
4. Figured bass was crucial in the development of keyboard instruments like the harpsichord and organ, as it required players to understand harmony and counterpoint deeply.
5. Many prominent Baroque composers, including Bach and Handel, utilized figured bass extensively in their compositions, showcasing its importance in the era's music-making.

Review Questions

• How does figured bass reflect the improvisational practices common in Baroque music?
  • Figured bass allows performers to interpret and realize harmonies based on numerical indications below the bass line, which encourages improvisation. Musicians would use their understanding of harmony and style to create elaborate accompaniments that were not strictly notated. This system was central to the collaborative nature of music-making during the Baroque period, where performers were expected to add their personal touch to compositions.
• Discuss the significance of figured bass in relation to the development of basso continuo during the Baroque period.
  • Figured bass is inherently tied to basso continuo, as both concepts emerged simultaneously in Baroque music. Basso continuo provided a foundation for harmonic structure while figured bass offered a means for performers to interpret that structure flexibly. The interplay between these two practices enriched musical performances and compositions, highlighting how musicians could engage creatively with the written score.
• Evaluate how figured bass influenced later musical practices beyond the Baroque era, particularly its relevance to chord symbols in contemporary music.
  • Figured bass laid the groundwork for later musical notations, particularly in its influence on modern chord symbols used in contemporary music. As musicians became accustomed to interpreting numbers and symbols denoting harmony, this practice evolved into more standardized forms of notation seen today. The legacy of figured bass can be seen in genres ranging from jazz to popular music, where chord symbols guide performers in realizing harmonic progressions while still allowing for personal expression.

Related terms

basso continuo: A continuous bass part in Baroque music, typically accompanied by chords played by instruments such as harpsichord or lute, providing harmonic support for melodies.

realization: The process of interpreting figured bass notation by performing the indicated chords and harmonies, often involving improvisation by the performer.

chord symbols: Symbols used to indicate specific chords or harmonies in modern music notation, similar to the role of figured bass in earlier music, facilitating performance and composition.